Holiday Rewards Increase for Small Business Employees this Season

RISMEDIA, Nov. 20, 2007-While predictions around consumer spending this holiday season may be modest, small businesses are still planning to spread some holiday cheer. According to Constant Contact’s 3rd Annual 2007 Small Business Holiday Outlook survey, nearly half (48%) of the U.S. small business owners surveyed are planning a holiday party for their business, store, or office in 2007, up one percentage point from 2006. The survey also revealed that 42% of small business owners will be giving holiday bonuses this year, three percentage points higher than 2006.

Constant Contact®, Inc. is a provider of e-mail marketing and online surveys for small organizations.

While the survey shows a year-over-year decrease of four percentage points in small business owners’ confidence in the overall economy? 54% rated their current confidence level as “excellent” or “good” in 2007 ? 63% remain optimistic that they will see strong holiday sales this season. This optimism is reflected by the rise of holiday parties and bonuses planned by U.S. small business owners.

“Our survey shows that small business owners understand how important their employees are to the success of their businesses, and as a result will be rewarding them this holiday season,” said Gail Goodman, CEO of Constant Contact. “Considering their optimism about upcoming strong holiday sales, it’s not surprising to see small business owners sharing their success and acknowledging the impact their employees have on their businesses.”

Sample questions and results include the following:

Do you anticipate a strong holiday season in sales for your business?

2007	2006
Yes 63%	Yes 62%
No 37%	No 38%

Are you planning to have a holiday party for your business or office this year?

2007	2006
Yes 48%	Yes 47%
No 52%	No 53%

Are you planning to give your employees holiday bonuses this year?

2007	2006
Yes 42%	Yes 39%
No 58%	No 61%

How do you rate your current confidence level in the overall economy?

2007	2006
Excellent 7%	9%
Good 47%	49%
Fair 37%	34%
Poor 9%	8%

The 2007 Small Business Holiday Outlook survey was conducted from September 17 – October 1, 2007 through targeted online distribution to U.S. small businesses who are current customers of Constant Contact. Results were recorded from more than 2,000 respondents.

For more information, visit www.constantcontact.com or call (781) 472-8100.

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